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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION

2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 414 Arlington, Virginia 22201

Meeting Minutes July 23, 2019

Commission Members Present: Bill Ross, Chair Duke Banks Gerald Brandt (in for Jim Meikle, Ex Officio, Arlington Public Schools) Sergio Enriquez Steve Finn Dean Foster (signed in; attended another meeting on behalf of the PRC) Michael Grace Colt Gregory David Howell, Vice Chair Cindy Krech (via telephone) Shruti Kuppa Mark Lincoln Julie Mullen Drew Murray (Ex Officio, Sports Commission) Leo Sarli Guests: Christer Ahl Bernard Berne Bob Bushkoff Kate Donahue G. Evan Pritchard Trini Rodriguez Mark Sen Mary Sen County Staff: Marco Rivero, Principal Planner, PRC Staff Liaison Jeanette Ankoma-Sey, Landscape Architect, DPR Walter Gonzalez, Associate Planner, DPR Joan Kelsch, Principal Planner, DES Matthew Pfeiffer, Principal Planner, CPHD Diane Probus, Associate Planner, DPR PRC members not in attendance: Neal Hunter Kevin Rachlin

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Chairman’s Introduction and Review/Approval of Meeting Minutes PRC Chair Ross reintroduced a new PRC Commissioner, Leonardo (Leo) Sarli, who then provided a brief introduction and background on his experience and interests. The Commission considered their June 2019 Park and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting minutes. With no objections, the Commission approved the minutes as presented. Public Comment:

1. Bernard Berne, Buckingham Community Civic Association President, provided commentary on the Harris Teeter site plan public space development. Mr. Berne emphasized the need for pollinator patches and green areas, not plazas within the space. Mr. Berne reiterated that there should be no paved plazas, more natural spaces, and bike trail connections should be no larger than 8 feet wide. Secondly, Mr. Berne spoke on the May 2019 County Board decision to proceed with a Programmatic Agreement for the Arlington County and Vicinity Boathouse project, particularly the potential development for 2105 N. Lynn St. (formerly known as 1101 Lee Highway). Mr. Berne stated that if the plan is to provide bathrooms and support facilities for the boathouse, then the site must be master planned, and this process should begin immediately.

2. Christer Ahl, Crystal City Citizen Review Council (CCCRC) Chair, expanded upon three points: (1) the public space areas in Crystal City are important and the Crystal City Sector Plan (CCSP) has a scarcity of open spaces. Two of the public spaces are controversial, one being the central park space near the current Crystal City Metro Station entrance and the 15th Street South park. An “English garden” is planned for the 15th Street South park, but it may not be truly usable. The design process is now 60% complete and there should be ample public notice on its development; (2) the 22202 Livability Letter with the three area civic associations was intended to provide a united front for what the overall community sees as needs and priorities for the Crystal City and Pentagon City areas. The priorities of this letter have been shared with Amazon and JBG Smith for their community development and engagement approach. Mr. Ahl asked the PRC to support this approach, particularly within the parameters of public pace development and building area development; (3) Mr. Ahl stated the increased demand for dog facilities (dog runs and parks). Mr. Ahl stated that this topic should be emphasized during every Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) process, and developers will need to be convinced to provide these amenities on site, for the benefit of their tenants. Mr. Ahl stated that public space meant for other uses often become de facto dog facilities. These private dog facilities should be regulated, and the requirements should be specified to apartment/condominium land owners and developers accordingly.

Agenda Items Brief Update on 15th Street South Park [Diane Probus, DPR] Diane Probus, DPR, provided a brief update on the 15th Street South Park development in Crystal City, including a background on the current project, and a public planning process needed to coordinate its final development. The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is at 60% design of the street realignment and the project should be completed by 2022. Eighteen months prior to completion, DPR will conduct a public planning process, to assess what park amenities should be implemented within the park space.

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Notable discussion points included (but were not limited to): issues of traffic, safe pedestrian crossings, and the overall interactions of transportation improvements with the park space. There was discussion on construction timeline considerations for the street improvement project and the eventual park construction. The effects of increased tree canopy and pervious surfaces as they relate to stormwater management in the future was discussed and will be a topic of consideration as part of the public engagement process. There were questions regarding the “strip park” design within the median and how that was originally envisioned for this space. Ms. Probus stated that by minimizing street widths by including open space in the middle would minimize vehicular speeding and increase the public experience. Finally, the idea of having a “woonerf” designed street to decrease the amount of traffic for this space and having updated, traffic counts since the implementation of the Crystal City Sector Plan (CCSP) were also discussed. Much of the transportation development and vision is stated within the CCSP and additional analysis and coordination on traffic counts may need to be reviewed by DES. Brief Update on Holiday Inn Site Plan [Walter Gonzalez, DPR] Walter Gonzalez, DPR, provided a brief update and presentation on the Holiday Inn site plan project in the Rosslyn area. Notable discussion points included (but were not limited to): questions about public space on the site and “Parcel Q”, the Rosslyn Sector Plan’s guidance specifying significant (monetary) contributions for public space development, including the development of Gateway Park. There was discussion on surface rights for Gateway Park. Matthew Pfeiffer, CPHD, detailed that the surface rights conversations are progressing well and that a firm agreement is needed with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to finalize this process. However, it was clarified that any planning work may proceed independently for Gateway Park (outside of the surface rights discussions currently taking place). There are currently no answers to the development status for Gateway Park and the discussions pertaining to land rights; however, VDOT currently provides programming opportunities on the property. There was discussion by the PRC to provide a formal response to the County Board expressing its thoughts on this subject and other public space expectations for Rosslyn. 600 N. Glebe Rd. – Harris Teeter Site Plan Public Space Area Update and Discussion [Trini Rodriguez, Parker Rodriguez, Inc.] Trini Rodriguez with Parker Rodriguez, Inc., provided an update on the Harris Teeter site plan public space area. An open house occurred on the development of this public space prior to the PRC meeting. A second open house will occur after analyzing the feedback received from the first open house. Notable discussion points included (but were not limited to): the differences in overall site design for “Options 1 and 2” (direct pathways vs. meandering pathways), incorporation of neighborhood and civic association feedback (tying in to the County Board-adopted North Quincy Street Plan Addendum), identifying casual use opportunities (small lawns, pollinator gardens, pathways, etc.), and incorporating permeable hardscaped surfaces (where feasible). Other discussion points for the site development included (but were not limited to): interactions between the public space and the adjacent street and building area, the development of green rooftops on the building, acknowledgement of Hyde Park adjacent to this space which contains extensive tree canopy, peak time considerations including use by children and families, clarifying that there will be a private, and clarifying that a private dog run is proposed within one of the building rooftop spaces. Many PRC members expressed their support for public space design

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“Option 2”. The PRC will likely provide a letter to the County Board after the second public space open house (to be scheduled in September 2019). The Arlington County Community Energy Plan (CEP) and Biophilia [Joan Kelsch, DES]

Joan Kelsch, DES, provided a presentation on the draft update to the Arlington County Community Energy Plan (CEP) and discussed biophilic principles associated with this plan. Ms. Kelsch also stated that the updated CEP will be considered by the County Board at its September 21, 2019 meeting. Notable discussion points included (but were not limited to): proposed considerations for site plan projects (including how bonus density could be earned through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and the Energy Star rating system), considerations for building heating/cooling systems, building management systems, and lighting. There was support for a change in behavior or culture regarding the consumption of energy. Furthermore, the role of natural resources with regards to insulating and mitigating air pollution and other adverse environmental considerations should be highlighted further. Responsible stewardship by the development community should be emphasized further. Ms. Kelsch stated that these points will be analyzed further and that there is continued public education promoting green/energy efficient ideas and techniques. Integrated education expanding on what it means to be an environmental steward, promoting energy efficient practices, and reducing consumption while increasing efficiency is necessary. There was also support for greater promotion of these ideas within residential/multifamily dwelling communities. There was also discussion on “embodied energy” which seriously considers the environmental footprint of communities, reducing the number of building teardowns, development impacts to stormwater runoff, and incentivizing homeowners to stay within that footprint. The PRC will provide a letter to the County Board on these and other themes accordingly. Staff Report M. Rivero provided an update to the storm damage caused by the July 8th storms within County park spaces. They are listed within the agenda in greater detail. Mr. Rivero will provide a brief update to the Commission at the 8/27 PRC meeting. Mr. Rivero also announced the Nelly Custis Park ribbon cutting event which will take place on Saturday, July 27th at 11 a.m.

• Report on July 8th Storm Assessment o Park infrastructure was significantly impacted, including at least six (6)

pedestrian bridges adjacent to the Four Mile Run and Gulf Branch streams and one (1) storage building at Bon Air Park all of which have been destroyed. Restrooms, playgrounds, small foot bridges, fences, asphalt driveways and trails, as well as picnic tables sustained damage. DPR anticipates finding additional damage to its infrastructure as staff continues to assess and clean up.

o All picnic shelters are open. o All trails are open except for the underpass at Wilson Boulevard (a detour has

been set up to go over Wilson Blvd). o Restrooms at Glencarlyn Park and Bon Air Park remain closed; all others are open.

Portable toilets are located at the aforementioned restrooms locations. o Glencarlyn Park playground will take longer to open due to the loss of pour-in-

place safety surfacing and drainage damage. All other playgrounds will be open after the engineered wood fiber and/or sand is installed. Staff is in the process of

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creating purchase orders (POs) for contractors to begin cleanup work. Playground repair should begin this week with most being completed by the end of next week, except for Glencarlyn Park playground which will take longer.

o Regarding the various, damaged or destroyed footbridges: no decision has been made on the many pedestrian bridges that were severely damaged or destroyed by the storm. County crews are focused on cleaning up the tremendous damage and making parks safe for the community. To protect public safety, the destroyed bridges initially have been removed. Decisions on which of the bridges will be replaced will come later.

o Due to damage from the recent flooding, the fitness room at Madison Community Center is closed until further notice. Cardiovascular equipment has been moved to Room 101, and strength training equipment has been moved to Room 105. Both rooms are open and ready for use.

Photo of destroyed bridge at Gulf Branch Nature Center.

Photo of Bon Air Park storage building being swept away and restroom building still standing (but damaged).

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4MRV – Jennie Dean Park Two (2) community engagement opportunities were held on April 6th and 11th and an online survey ran through the end of April. In addition to an online feedback tool, two subsequent engagement opportunities were scheduled for July 13 and July 16 to allow people to review the updated designs. DPR will use the most recent feedback to further refine the designs and is planning on having additional engagement opportunities in the fall. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) was issued in May. Following the Design Process, DPR will develop construction documents and submit for various permits. Construction is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2020.

Alice West Fleet Elementary School Highlights of construction activities and work anticipated this summer include (but are not limited to):

• Modified construction hours allow for longer construction times during the week as well as on weekend and holidays to meet the anticipated school opening in September 2019.

• Building final inspection: 7/22/19 • Furniture delivery start: 7/22/19 • Start of move from PHES: 7/22/19 • Community Planning, Housing, Development site and façade inspection: 7/24/19 • Zoning Department occupancy inspection: 8/2/19 • Staff occupancy: 8/19/19 • Student occupancy: 9/3/19

Ballston Pond Retrofit/Beaver Pond Park Improvements – no change Next steps are finalizing the design and obtaining construction bids. The start of construction is anticipated in fall 2019.

Benjamin Banneker Park Improvements Civil Engineering Plan (CEP) permit has been approved and received. LDA and MOT sets are under 2nd review for permit. NCW submitted. A/E submitted final specs and 100% sheets for bidding/procurement. Pre-Bid meeting scheduled on 7/16. Bluemont Park

• Invasive plant removal has resumed for the spring. • On 6/15/2019, DPR team members and volunteers from County Manager’s Office (CMO)

attended the Arlington County Tennis Association (ACTA) semi-finals to canvas attendees about how they currently use Bluemont Park and its amenities especially its tennis courts. Canvassed at Virginia Highlands Park, Yorktown High School and Bluemont Park.

• Plan to have a meeting introducing the public to the project in early September. DPR will also have a booth gathering information at the Arlington County Fair. Details To Be Announced (TBA).

• Online feedback tool posted to project page. • Project page created. https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/bluemont-park-tennis-

courts/ Dawson Terrace Park – No Change

• Project substantially complete on 5/24/19. Park opened to the community. • Contractor working on punch list items and project closeout documents.

Dorothy Hamm Middle School (formerly New Middle School at Stratford Site) - Schedule Milestones (weather pending):

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The Construction Team is continuing to evaluate several options to accelerate construction with the assistance of the designers.

• Renovation of Existing Building o Summer construction begins – renovation (6/25/2019) o Staff occupancy of renovated building (August 2019); and o Student Occupancy/school opening of renovated building (August 2019);

• Construction of Addition

o Completion of envelop/building enclosure (August / September 2019); o Staff occupancy in addition - (November / December 2019); and o Student Occupancy in addition (January 2020).

For additional details on the status of the project see Dorothy Hamm MS where monthly construction updates are posted.

Edison Park (Neighborhood Conservation project) The project scope was approved by the County Board as part of the Neighborhood Conservation bundle in November 2018. The first design/working group meeting was held Wednesday, February 13th. The project was presented to the Arlington Forest Civic Association at their April 24th meeting for a vote. The project was approved, and the project is currently in the construction document phase. Education Center Building Reuse – No Change

• APS is in progress with demolition of the interior. It will be completed in September 2019.

• The building renovation is in design. • Full construction is expected to begin in January 2020.

Gunston Diamond Field Replacement

• Project substantially complete on 5/28/19. Field opened to the community. • Contractor working on punch list items and project closeout documents.

The Heights Building (Rosslyn) No adjustments have been made to the contractor’s schedule this month.

• The brick around the exterior is nearing completion. • The glass curtainwall installation at the Wilson Blvd. entrance is proceeding. • Theater heating and air condition rough-in and theater equipment installation is ongoing. • Interior glass curtainwall installation is complete. • Plumbing fixtures and toilet partitions installation is continue to be set. • Hollow metal doors and hardware installation is moving up through the building. • Casework installation is complete. • Kitchen equipment installation is mostly complete. • Exterior sidewalks / concrete plaza work has started. • 18th Street re-grading and utility work continues. • Multiple contractors are working diligently installing systems and finishes as we move

toward completion. In July the three-story window wall on Wilson Blvd will be completed. Plantings on the terraces will begin in July.

• Occupancy inspection: 8/1/19 • Staff occupancy: 8/19/19 • Student occupancy: 9/3/19

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Long Bridge Park Aquatic Center 50 plus yards of concrete poured this week. All three dive tower bases are formed and ready to be poured starting next week. Continuation of wall pours along the East side in Section A (50M pool) along A line. Electrical sub-contractor installed grounding wire at dive towers. Coordination with waterproofing has taken place at these walls. The work at the North end of the esplanade Phase I and overlook section loop have been closed off for the duration of the work. Long Bridge Park Field 1 & 4 Replacement Field 1 installation is completed. Gmax and Infiltration test completed on Monday, July 1. Contractor to provide test reports. Remedial work on Field 3 took place from the Monday storms this week. Logos delivered on 7/12 and work should start the week of the 15th on Field 3. Because of the storms earlier this month, Field 1 had a wash out of material beneath the turf in the southeast corner. The contractors have been contacted and will fix the situation. Madison Manor Park

• Mobilization activities started on 7/8/2019. • Tree protection works to start the week of 7/15/2019.

Mosaic Park

• 8” Sanitary sewer piping installation ongoing. • Contaminated soil found on site. Third party inspectors did the necessary testing. Soils

reports provided to contractor. • Test for metals and other items in the soil complete and results sent to contractor. • Contractor hauling off contaminated soil off site to an approved location. • Utility coordination for utility install with, Dominion Energy, Washington Gas, Comcast

and Verizon – (on going). • Preparation for demolition of existing light poles. To provide temporary lighting in place

of existing when work commences. • Placed concrete for storm manhole install - Complete • Install storm manhole dog house for storm line install - Complete

Nauck Town Center The contract was awarded to Ardent Corp. at the May 2019 County Board meeting. When a final date for the start of construction is selected, staff (DES as the lead and DPR) will send a notice to the community. Nelly Custis Park Punchlist walk held with Parks and Natural Resources (PNR) was held on 7/10. Nelly Custis Park to receive the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) playground audit before opening. Park expected to open 7/19. A ribbon cutting is being planned for 7/27. Oakland Park The contract was awarded at the April 23, 2019 County Board meeting to McDonnell Landscape, Inc. Trees have been removed, rough grading in new path areas. RHP+ – No Change Construction continues at the Wilson School site and the school is expected to open in the fall of 2019. Penzance continues demolition and excavation of the Rosslyn Highlands Park, Fire Station #10 and 1555 Wilson Blvd site. The Fire Station is anticipated to be completed summer 2021. The park is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2021. Construction documents are currently being prepared for the playground (on the APAH Queens Court Site) which will start construction in 2021. APAH started construction on their Queens Court property in mid-April.

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Site Plan Review

• SP #13 Crystal Houses Major Site Plan Amendment – 1900 S Eads Street ▪ The second SPRC meeting occurred on Monday, June 24 at the Bozman Government

Center. Discussion included the two public open spaces, tree removal/replacement plan and architecture. A third SPRC meeting will be scheduled on a date to be determined.

• SP #72: Harris Teeter Site/American Service Center

▪ Two Mixed-Use Buildings (685 Residential Units) ▪ New Harris Teeter and ground-level retail ▪ Three-level structured parking garages (923 parking spaces total) ▪ New Public Park (0.5 Acres) ▪ First SPRC meeting anticipated April 29, 2019 ▪ Open Space: As part of the community engagement process for the proposed open

space, DPR staff is proposing 2 open houses supplemented with 2 online surveys to solicit community feedback. The first open house which will be on Tues. July 23rd, 2019 from 5:00-6:30pm at the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center (2100 Clarendon Blvd) in the Cherry and Dogwood Conference Rooms and online survey which open July 17th and runs until August 2nd will solicit community feedback on 2 preliminary draft concepts. In addition, a presentation will be given to the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) to gather input from the commissioners on the preliminary concepts. Based on the community feedback and site analysis, DPR staff and the developer will work together to develop a final open space concept design. The second open house and online survey hosted in the Fall 2019 will solicit feedback on the final design. These will be followed by a presentation to the PRC to gather additional input. The applicant will then make any necessary modifications to the design and will incorporate the final open space concept design with the site plan presented to the Planning Commission and County Board for final approval.

Harris Teeter Public Space • SEHT North Glebe LLC has funded a half-acre public space in the parking lot at the

Harris Teeter at 600 N. Glebe. This project is one aspect of a larger mixed-use redevelopment of the land surrounding Harris Teeter.

• The public can view the two proposed design concepts at an open house Tue., July 23, 2019 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center (2100 Clarendon Blvd) in the Cherry and Dogwood conference rooms on the lobby level.

• SP #105 Phased Development Site Plan (PDSP) Amendment: Metropolitan Park 6-8 (Block

3 of PDSP) – 1400 S. Eads St. and 501 15th St. S. ▪ The applicant, JBG Smith, is requesting three (3) changes to the Pentagon City Phased

Development • Site Plan (PDSP). All changes proposed are for the development of the last phases

(Phases 6, and a combined Phase 7 and 8) for Parcel 3 of the Pentagon City PDSP, also known as Metropolitan Park: o Change the principal use from residential to office, with ground floor retail; o Alter the PDSP height regulations to permit two additional office buildings of

up to 22 stories;

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o Delete 1,403 unbuilt dwelling units that are allocated to Parcel 3 (Metropolitan Park) and allocate approximately 2,082,566 square feet of office use and 44,051 square feet of additional retail use to Parcel 3 (Metropolitan Park).

• In addition to the PDSP amendment requests, the applicant is also requesting a Master Transportation Plan (MTP) amendment to revise the internal street network within Parcel 3 (Metropolitan Park) by deleting a portion of 14th Road S., which was intended to be an internal service road for Phases 7 and 8.

• The Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) met on Monday, July 15, 2019 and discussed items associated with land use and use mix, building heights, density allocation and a proposed Master Transportation Plan (MTP) amendment.

• The first Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 29, 2019 with the agenda still pending.

• This project is anticipated to have significant public space considerations that will be discussed further as the site plan review progresses.

• SP #244 Major Site Plan Amendment: LCOR/Verizon Site – 400 11th Street South

▪ 254,676 sq. ft. residential and mixed-use building. ▪ Modifications requested: bonus density, parking and penthouse elevator setbacks. ▪ A future planned public space area is envisioned on the “Teardrop Parcels” located

west and northwest of the site, approximately 24,000-25,000 sq. ft. of space. ▪ Second SPRC meeting occurred on Thursday, June 13, 2019. The discussion focused

on the determination that public space development is the appropriate development on the “Teardrop Parcel” properties. Furthermore, staff provided background, area/contextual information, applications to relevant planning documents (including the updated, Public Spaces Master Plan), as well as what a community engagement process may look like for the park master planning efforts for these spaces.

▪ SPRC Meeting #3 occurred on Thursday, July 18, 2019 and the focus of that discussion was on transportation.

Towers Park

• Feedback session for proposed final design concepts held at Towers Park Playground on June 6, 2019.

• Online feedback tool posted on project page accepted additional comments until 6/28/19. Tyrol Hill Park – No Change

• Engineers report for Best Management Practice (BMP) installation submitted to DES for review.

Urban Forestry Office Updates

1. We are still responding to over 150 tree requests in our work order system. New requests are getting entered at a rapid pace.

2. Parks: Dawson Terrace trees were planted, Gunston Diamond trees were planted, Nauck Town Square is commencing, Oakland Park is commencing (with a large American elm which is being babied), Madison Manor is commencing. Rosslyn Highlands, Henry Clay, Benjamin Banneker, Alcova Heights, and Edison Park are all being reviewed.

3. DES: The Clark Street bridge removal’s trees were planted. Some need to be replaced. Ballston Pond review is complete. Gulf Branch stream restoration public outreach is commencing.

4. Schools: Fleet and Wilson (The Heights) schools are completing this year. Reed School is close to getting their permits. The first trailer permits are being processed.

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5. At the Urban Forestry commission, CPHD presented on Housing Conservation Districts. There was concern about impact to trees from these projects.

6. Staff is gearing up to begin the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan update. 7. Crystal Houses 3 Site plan is likely to have a significant urban forestry component. The

first SPRC meeting was on June 24. Tree impact remains a major issue. 8. Staff is working with DES-stormwater to build arguments for counting tree planting and

preservation for stormwater credit, which may improve preservation and planting in the State.

Commission Member Reports Purple = Information provided at PRC Meeting

• 26th Street North and Old Dominion Drive Site Master Planning Task Force (David Howell) • No additional updates.

• 55+ (Dean Foster)

• Registration for the July-August class sessions was held on July 1st. Registration went well. As usual, the popular classes of yoga, Pilates and swimming were the first to fill up and a waiting list was instituted for those who were too late to register. The new County-wide Program Specialist, Allison Cheek, was introduced to the 55+ sports and fitness committee. The temporary closure of the weight rooms as planned enabled staff to perform a deep clean of the facilities, better rearrange the fitness equipment and install/repair new exercise machines. What was unplanned was the flash flood event on July 8th which, in addition to damages to DPR trails, bridges, parks, streams, and trees, flooded the weight room area at the Madison Center. As a result, the weights and some equipment are being moved elsewhere in the center until repairs are completed. Our Pickleball program has three participants who medaled at a national meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The golf club has 333 members, 46 of whom are women. The club is considering possibilities to increase the number of women active in the club. July 22nd will mark the 75th anniversary of Arlington County’s Parks and Recreation program. To celebrate the event, five of our senior centers will each in turn over the day, host ice cream socials for the public.

• Alcova Heights (Colt Gregory) • No Issues in this reporting period. All on schedule. Outstanding question on County

inclusion of rain garden or other mitigation for runoff resulting from the rebuilt basketball court remains.

• APS (Jim Meikle) • Civic Federation (Duke Banks) • Crystal City Review Commission (Kevin Rachlin) • Four Mile Run Joint Task Force (David Howell)

• The next meeting is not scheduled yet but is likely to happen before October.

• Gulf Branch Stream Restoration (Colt Gregory/Duke Banks) • County held a public meeting July 17. • A second public meeting in the fall will review and provide input on a preliminary

draft concept design (fall 2019). • Public meeting comments: Storm damage from the July 3.5 inches in 1-hour rain

event was a prominent topic. The stream sustained lots of visible damage losing a major pedestrian bridge across from the nature center and 4 footpath bridges up

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and down stream. New channels were dug by the rushing water overpowering the 8ft culvert under the asphalt path upstream from the nature center. The culverts under Military Road were not large enough to support the major surge of storm water. The pollinator demonstration garden across Military Road from the nature center was overrun by storm debris but remains intact absent its protective fencing.

• General concern from the urban forestry rep was mature tree loss during construction.

• Jennie Dean Park, Phase 1 Update (Colt Gregory) • Community Engagement and Final Design runs through July 2019. Comment

received about the increased size and orientation of the ball diamonds and associated negative environmental impact to 4MR. Upon checking with staff -- "There is no size difference between the new and proposed fields. The only significant difference is that we will be having fewer bleachers on the new adult diamond. There are currently two sets of bleachers and we will be going down to one. The adult games don’t tend to draw as large of a crowd. The new youth field will continue to have two sets of bleachers, two dugouts, and a warm-up bull pen. Overall, the existing fields take up approximately 124,000 SF and the new fields will take up approximately 122,000 SF." The ball diamonds will be relocated away 4MR and the RPA buffer increased by design of a riparian path along the bank.

• Other items discussed in the walkthrough: - Netting will be raised on adult ball field to protect those playing in adjacent

field; - The playground doesn't have tree shade, but shade sails will be used to cover

much of the area - There may be an additional public walkway next to Shirlington Rd. Too hard

to expand the highway to add a public walkway. Easier to put in a prefab walkway across 4MR to link the park to the Arlington Mill (bike trail side)

- The Day labor gathering area across from Weenie Beanie will be moved about a block away down S. Four mile run drive

- Resident X is vocal about light spill over. A new county tool allows park architects to show how the field lighting will be placed (downward tilt). To my eye the spillover seems negligible.

- Also, some concerned about children noise from the playground. - Overall park look is designed to echo the previous industrial nature of the area,

but it seems community participants are saying the words "industrial: but really seem to mean Modern -- a sleeker still look vs. open girder look. (I do not find the Industrial look proposed to be particularly inviting)

- Question: Does 18 ft high ball field netting traps birds like a mist net? Staff will ask Dave Farner.

- Plans continue to include purchase of WETA property should it become available. It would be turned into additional casual use space.

- Tree plantings shown in the design are spaced at 40 feet. That could become every 20 feet. Some community concern that the trees would be too dense and create a hedge like effect. Not so says the Arl. Co. rep from Urban Forestry dept. in Parks and Rec.

• Joint Facilities Advisory Commission (JFAC) (Bill Ross)

• In planning for a study to support a County-wide, Joint Facilities Plan JFAC continues to hold Visioning and Scoping meetings. The PSMP process and the Affordable Housing study documents have been cited as models for planning the study.

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• Long Bridge Fees Working Group (Bill Ross) • Natural Resources Joint Advisory Group (NRJAG) (Gregory/Howell/Mullen)

• No meeting was held in July.

• Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee (NCAC) (Angelo Collins) • Plan Lee Highway (Cindy Krech/Julie Mullen)

• No additional updates.

• A Plan for Our Places and Spaces (POPS)/Public Spaces Master Plan (PSMP) (Bill Ross) • The County Board approved formation and charter of the PSMP Implementation

Advisory Commission, which will be appointed by the County Manager. Appointments will be made over the next couple of months and the first meeting of the group will probably take place in the fall.

• Public Facilities Review Committee (PFRC) (Sergio Enriquez) • Fire Station #8 – There is no explicit open space planned for this building. However,

we have identified and sent opportunities for more biophilic design concepts that could be incorporated, while enhancing the quality of experience for firefighters. There is also the opportunity to improve on the current streetscape and landscaping along Lee Highway that would align with ongoing longer-term plans for Lee Highway.

• Open Data Advisory Group (Duke Banks) • Other Items (Colt Gregory)

• Attended a park ribbon cutting (near former Bergman’s Cleaners dry cleaning plant and now MOM’s Organic Market).

• Site Plan Review Committee (Bill Ross) • 400 11th Street South – LCOR/Verizon Site (Bill Ross)

- This residential development will help to add a previously unplanned, County-owned public space at the Crystal City/Pentagon City border. This "teardrop" parcel will be designed using a public engagement process. Building of this public space will be supported by a private development contribution. A letter to the County Board in support of the public space aspects of this project is recommended.

• 600 N. Glebe Rd. – Harris Teeter Site (Bill Ross) - As noted in previous messages, we have expressed various concerns about the

location, size, configuration, and utilization of the planned privately-owned park, the connections to and through the park, and the loss of trees for the neighborhood. At SPRC meetings, initial comments have supported casual use amenities, as opposed to active use amenities at the park. Commissioners comments on this or other issues can help instruct a letter to the County Board.

• 1900 S. Eads St. – Crystal Houses (Bill Ross) - The July 25 SPRC meeting was postponed allowing the applicant and staff to

reconsider some of the planning for the two proposed small parks at this location. SPRC members have questioned the continued need for so much surface parking to be kept, as opposed to expanding the available open space.

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• Market Common Clarendon (Bill Ross) • Metropolitan Park 6, 7, 8 – National Landing (Shruti Kuppa)

- On July 15th, the Long Range Planning Committee met to discuss Metropolitan Park phases 6-8. The applicant, JBG Smith, and staff presented information on the proposed change to the PDSP and, for PRC purposes, how the changes would help increase open space. As we move into the SPRC process, the applicant will have to contend with issues such as how to invite the public into a park nestled between buildings.

• PenPlace Phase I (Shruti Kuppa) • Rosslyn Holiday Inn (Bill Ross/Leo Sarli)

- As noted in previous messages, a major issue is obtaining significant private contributions from the current applicant, as well as future Rosslyn developers, for improvements to Gateway

- Park. The commission should produce a letter emphasizing this and other open space issues in preparation for a September consideration by the County Board.

• Sparrow Pond Restoration Project (David Howell)

• The next meeting, at the 60% design stage, will be in mid-fall this year.

• Sports Commission (Steve Finn/Mark Lincoln) • There will be a Sports Commission meeting at Aurora Hill Community Center

regarding athletic field allocation. The various leagues will be meeting with County staff regarding the new athletic field allocation policy.

• Urban Forestry Commission (David Howell) • The June UFC meeting featured a presentation by Russell Schroeder and Richard

Tucker on the Housing Conservation Districts. These districts are a tool for Arlington to promote and preserve a range of housing types and affordability levels as developers consider replacement or upgrading of existing complexes. Commissioners responded to a request for suggestions with ideas on tree preservation requirements, using the PSMP as general guidance, using biophilic design, and involving landscape architects early in the process. Many older complexes have mature trees and grounds, which members feared are vulnerable in redevelopment.

• The second agenda item was an update on the recent activities to promote the biophilic cities initiative and implement PSMP recommendation 3.3.1. Caroline Haynes and David Howell discussed recent meetings with County Board members, the County Manager, and a planning session held in May with County staff and Prof. Tim Beatley, founder of the Biophilic Cities Network.

• The third item was a discussion of the County Manager’s memorandum on why the County did not take action to prevent cutting of the State Champion Dawn Redwood tree at a north Arlington home site. Vincent Verweij fielded questions on the Dawn Redwood Memo. Questions followed on justification for removal, impervious area, and the second house, proposed at 3264 N. Ohio St.

• A fourth item, review of revised criteria for the Notable Tree Award Program, was deferred to the July meeting due to lack of time.

• Village at Shirlington Special Land Use Study (Dean Foster) • The Long-Range Planning Committee met on June 25th for orientation and

preparation for the Shirlington Special Land Use Plan (GLUP) Study Plus.

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• For background, in December 2017, Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRIT) submitted a request to county zoning for a Special Land Use Plan (GLUP) Study of the properties owned by FRIT in the Village at Shirlington. Specifically, FERI requested a GLUP amendment from “low” Office-Apartment-Hotel to “medium” O-A-H with associated zoning to go from C-0-1.5 to C-O-2.5. In May the Hilton hotel site was added to the request, and in June, WETA became a co-applicant. The Special GLUP Study is needed because the requested change is for an area without an adopted plan.

• With no established overall area plan guidance (other than a most recent 2000 year amended Phased Development Site Plan) the study area was expanded beyond the applicant’s properties to include the remaining properties within the Village at Shirlington to better guide potential development and retail enhancement. The ultimate objective of the study is to aid the county board in determining if the board should consider advertising amendments to the GLUP to include the study area.

• The LRPC has scheduled five work study meetings for this purpose, ending in late December, 2019.

• Pertinent to the PRC, the Public Spaces Master Plan (PSMP provides that: - Privately owned public spaces should comply with PSMP Design Guidelines; - Existing park and open space amenities should have improved access and

connectivity; - Park and open space amenities should be based on the PSMP Level of Service

(LOS); and, - Consideration should be given to implementation of casual open space where

appropriate and desired by the community. • The PSMP LOS indicates that this area could use better access to basketball courts,

community gardens multi-use trails and tennis courts. • Existing amenities within the Village at Shirlington include the Plaza at Signature

Theater and the Campbell Avenue fountain area. • To the north of the Village and abutting Arlington Mill Drive, are the Four Mile Run

Valley Parks-Jennie Dean Park, Shirlington Park and Shirlington Dog Park-all of which to varying degrees are under renovation and construction pursuant to the (4MRV) Park Master Plan and Design Guidelines.

• The explanatory slides, maps and staff presentation at the June 23rd meeting are posted under “Meeting Materials” at the LRPC website.

• The next meeting of the LRPC Village at Shirlington Special Land Use will be at 7 pm on July 23rd and may include a walking tour of the area.

Other Business

• Letters to the County Board: No specific letters were discussed.

• Commissioner Lincoln brought up the issue of interactions with DC Fray and DPR employees regarding athletic field permit renewals and parameters for use. Staff will inform DPR Athletic and Field Services Division Chief, Peter Lusk about this situation.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Next Meeting: August 27, 2019, 5:00 p.m.